ENTERTAINMENT NEWS ARTICLES
LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Sarah Geronimo: new TV show Sarah G Live! is a "big responsibility"
by Nerisa Almo
Philippine Entertainment Portal, January 25, 2012

Ngayon pa lang ay kinakabahan na ang Popstar Princess na si Sarah Geronimo sa magiging bago niyang weekly show sa ABS-CBN, ang Sarah G. Live!.

Unang pagkakataon para sa 23-year-old celebrity na magkaroon ng sarili niyang programa.

Kaya naman nang makapanayam siya ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang media noong nakaraang Huwebes, January 19, sinabi niya na isa itong malaking responsibilidad.

Bukod pa rito, nakakakaba rin daw ang magiging pagtanggap ng mga manonood sa kanya at sa programa.

"Siyempre, kinakabahan po.

"Siyempre, hindi naman po ito ASAP na marami kaming artists na magdadala.

"'Yong pangalan ko po mismo ang naka-front, Sarah G. Live!," sabi ni Sarah sa muli niyang pagharap sa press.

Ito ay naganap sa launch ng bago niyang Jollibee endorsement kanina, January 25, sa Greenmeadows, Libis, Quezon City.

Bagamat kinakabahan, tiniyak ni Sarah na, "I'll do my best po talaga.

"Talagang gagawin po namin ang lahat para mabigyan ng magandang entertainment ang televiewers natin."

Nakatakdang magsimula ang Sarah G. Live! sa February 19.

PREPARATIONS

Hindi lamang daw puro performances niya ang mapapanood ng publiko sa kanyang show.

Magkakaroon din siya ng interviews sa mga sorpresang panauhin linggu-linggo.

Paano niya ito pinaghahandaan?

"Hindi ko nga po alam kung paano!" natatawang sagot ni Sarah.

"Sabi nila, maging natural lang ako kapag nag-i-interview.

"Parang gusto lang nilang makita pa kung ano si Sarah Geronimo.

"Hindi lang as a performer, gusto pa nilang makilala ako.

"So, good luck sa akin, good luck sa mga mapapanood ninyo.

"May pagka-reality TV show."

Pagdating naman sa pangangalaga ng kanyang boses, mas nagiging maingat na si Sarah ngayon, lalo pa't mas mapapadalas ang kanyang pagpe-perform sa bago niyang programa.

Aniya, "Continuous pa rin naman po 'yong daily routine ko before singing, like mag-vocalize.

"Siyempre, mahirap naman po iwasan ang mga masasarap na pagkain, like mga sweets, medyo maaanghang at saka malalamig, so bawas-bawasan na rin 'yong mga 'yon.

"Actually ngayon, happy po ako na hindi ako nagkakaproblem sa throat ko.

"Hindi na ako masyadong nagkakasakit.

"Siguro po, nakuha ko na rin proper technique.

"At saka siguro, nabawasan na rin ang pagkanta ko ng beyond my range na songs."

BECOMING A FAMILY PERSON

Samantala, sa naturang panayam ay natanong din ng PEP at ibang media si Sarah kung anong taon siya magiging isang pamilyadong tao.

Malayu-layo pa raw ang panahong ito para kay Sarah: "Mga five or eight years!"

At dahil 23 siya ngayon, ibig sabihin ay magiging pamilyado siya pag 28 na siya o di kaya'y 31.

Gayunman, inamin niya na minsan ay naiisip niya na rin ang sitwasyong ito.

"Hindi natin po masabi, pero gusto ko po talaga, makapag-ipon muna at saka mag-grow pa as a person.

"Gusto ko lang naman, maging responsableng wife at magiging mother din sa mga anak ko at..."

Sa puntong ito, biglang napahinto si Sarah at saka pabirong sinabi, "Wow! Puwedeng manliligaw muna? Puwedeng manliligaw muna sa akin?"

Dagdag pa niya, "Hindi ko naman po minamadali 'yon, e."

Nang tanungin kung handa na siyang tumanggap ng mga manliligaw, sagot ni Sarah: "Sabi ko naman po sa mga past interviews ko na hindi masamang i-allow mo 'yong friendship with some guys.

"Pero 'yong relationships, parang hindi po muna."

Pahabol pa niya, "Siguro kung papayagan ako ng parents ko."

ON GERALD ANDERSON

Kinumusta ng PEP ang pagiging magkaibigan nila ni Gerald.

Matatandaan na noong nakaraang taon, nagkasama sila sa dalawang pelikula—ang Catch Me I'm In Love at Won't Last a Day Without You.

Sa kanilang ikalawang pelikula, mas naging matindi ang pagbibiro sa kanilang dalawa na umano'y bagay silang magkapareha.

Nabigyan pa ito ng kulay nang lumabas ang balitang nakatanggap si Sarah ng isang Tiffany necklace mula kay Gerald bilang Christmas gift.

Sabi ni Sarah sa PEP, "Hindi ko pa nga po siya nakikita po, e. Katatapos lang ng bakasyon ko.

"Natutuwa naman po ako, na kahit tapos ang pelikula namin, nandoon pa rin ang friendship.

"Masaya, masaya naman po."

Aprub ba si Gerald sa Mommy Divine niya?

"Okay lang naman po. Nakita naman po niya na si Gerald ay okay katrabaho," maikling sagot ni Sarah.

Kilala si Mommy Divine bilang strict protector ng kaniyang anak.

At habang wala pang ibang pahiwatig si Mommy Divine, kinikilala pa ring bawal kay Mommy Divine ang pagbo-boyfriend ni Sarah.

Lani Misalucha - Beautiful Inside and Out
By Nancy Bernal
Fil-Am Courier, January 2012

She was born in Manila, Philippines and named Lani, which in the Hawaiian language means “heaven”. How could her parents have foreseen that this little girl would become an international star and eventually have her own show in Hawaii. Blessed with a voice that is heavenly, her name “Lani” says it all. A star was born!

Who is this beautiful woman with a five-octave vocal range? How did Lani Misalucha achieve award winning status as an entertainer and reach the high-level recognition of being an internationally-acclaimed Singer?

Lani’s parents (Benjamin G. Bayot and Esperanza S. Dimalanta) had five children (Osiris, Novier, May, Lani and Karlyn). Coming from a family that enjoyed music, Lani Bayot, spent her teen years in the Philippines singing in Church Choirs, including the Ellin Wood Youth Choir. It was at a youth conference involving the choir where Lani met her husband, Noli Misalucha. They courted for five years before marrying and have been happily married for twenty-six years. In addition to being Lani’s husband, Noli is also her Manager.

Lani looked forward to being a wife and a mother and although she loved to sing, she was not intent on a professional singing career. But her path took a different direction. Lani’s older sister sang professionally in a band and needed Lani’s assistance when she was not available to perform for an engagement. Lani filled in for her and caught the attention of people in the music industry. She began to receive requests for singing performances, recording jingles for radio and television commercials and recording demo vocals for multiplex tapes. Lani quickly learned how to copy the vocals of the original artists and sounded just like them on the demo recordings.

While gaining attention as a professional singer, Lani still made time for her family and had two daughters, Louven and Lian. Louven is now twenty years old and Lian is eighteen years old; both are attending school in the Las Vegas area, but will be visiting their parents in Hawaii whenever possible.

This was just the beginning for Lani Misalucha’s Award Winning international super-star career that would eventually bring her to Hawaii for her Special Engagement at The Magic of Polynesia Showroom at the Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort on Tuesdays thru Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. During this interview, it was obvious that Lani is a warm and caring individual that is humble and sincere. Her love for her husband, daughters and family members is evident and her appreciation for people and life is constant. She shared her personal feelings on some topics.

1. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
“I am a very shy person and always have been. Before I go on stage, I am very nervous and I get butterflies in my stomach - hoping that everything will go well. Once I start performing, then I am fine.”

SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT LANI:
Birthdate: August 3
Favorite Color: Yellow - because it is so bright
Passion in Life: Singing and to share her voice with as many people as possible

2. WHO ARE YOUR GREATEST INFLUENCES - IN MUSIC AND IN LIFE?
“In music, Barbara Streisand was an influence to me and in my life, my mother is my greatest influence - Esperanza Bayot.”

3. HAVE YOU HAD VOCAL TRAINING?
“I have never had a vocal coach. I taught myself how to sing at an early age and there was always singing in my home.”

4. IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT FOR A PHILIPPINE ARTIST TO SUCCEED IN THE AMERICAN MUSIC MARKET? HOW DID THIS TRANSITION HAPPEN FOR YOU?
“I recorded several CDs in the Philippines, including an album in 1999 under VIVA Records and in 2001 I had a solo concert at Araneta Colliseum. I also was on television regularly. While being so busy in the Philippines, I was contacted by a Producer residing in America that offered me an opportunity to perform in a show in Las Vegas with The Society of Seven. My husband and I decided to accept this offer and moved our family to Las Vegas where I performed in several showrooms throughout the years. My most recent show in Las Vegas was my solo show - “Voices” at The Las Vegas Hilton.”

5. WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME?
“Leaving the stability of the Philippines and adjusting to a new culture in America was a new beginning for us. My family is my priority and I had to balance my family and career schedule and still work hard to succeed as an entertainer.”

6. WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO HAWAII FOR THIS SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT?
“Roy Tokujo met with me and presented this great opportunity to perform in the Magic of Polynesia Showroom in Waikiki. I met with the wonderful people of Roberts Hawaii and my husband and I agreed to accept this invitation. It was a very quick decision and we had to move from Las Vegas to Hawaii with very short notice. But we knew we made the right choice and are looking forward to living in Hawaii and performing for the local people, as well as for the visitors from around the world.”

7. WHEN YOU ARE STAGE, WHAT IS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND WHILE YOU ARE PERFORMING?
“I look out into the faces of the people in the audience and I sing to them. I connect to my audience while I perform and look at them as friends. I try to bring a smile to their face and hope to touch them emotionally.”

8. WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM YOUR SHOW?
“They can expect to laugh, to be touched, to dance and to have fun.”

9. YOU CAN SING ALL TYPES OF MUSIC AND DO IMPRESSIONS? WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING IN YOUR HAWAII SHOW?
“I will be performing a variety of music including pop, opera and upbeat tunes and impersonations of some of the biggest female artists of all time. Recording the demo vocals for multiplex recordings when I was younger was a good preparation for doing vocals on impersonations.”

10. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ASPIRING PERFORMER?
“Hold on to the principals that you always live by. Always choose the right things in life.”

11. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII?
“I am very grateful to everyone making it possible for me to perform in Hawaii and I appreciate the welcoming aloha spirit from the people.”

12. WHAT IS YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR 2012?
“This coming new year, like every other new year, we all make our resolutions aiming to better ourselves and our way of life. And for this year, as I always have, my new year’s resolution is very attainable. So here goes, this coming new year I would like to be more disciplined. Disciplined in every sense of the word. With discipline one can achieve order, success and everything else that’s good will follow.”

13. QUESTION FOR NOLI MISALUCHA - WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LANI?
“Despite all that she has accomplished in her life, she is still very grounded and is still the same person. I love her for still being the person she is.” Noli fondly remembers how he courted Lani in their teen years and he would walk her home after choir rehearsals. As he talks about her, a warm smile spreads across his face; a smile of love, admiration and pride for her wife.

Lani Misalucha’s Show is an incredible production of impressive lighting, crystal clear audio, the best musicians and back-up vocalists in a spectacular showroom. All of this is effective because of the talent of the beautiful star onstage - Lani Misalucha. Her inner beauty radiates in every song she performs and her passion for entertaining is contagious. Her friendly conversation with the audience and “up close and personal” approach will make you feel like you are part of her family - like you have known her for years. What a special gift she has!

If you are looking for a feel-good type of show that will warm your heart and keep you spellbound with high-energy entertainment, take time to experience the Lani Misalucha Show. She looks forward to meeting you. For tickets and more information please visit www.LaniInHawaii.com.

Maja sees herself settling down with Matteo
by Ethel Ramos
Malaya, Jan. 16, 2012

AT the presscon of their first film together, "My Cactus Heart," Maja Salvador finally confirmed reports that she and Matteo Guidicelli have been a couple for nearly three years.

Why she chose to announce it only now, Maja said it was about time.

Matteo, who was seated close to Maja, merely smiled after the revelation. He glanced lovingly at Maja.

So far, Maja added, their relationship has been smooth-sailing. Except, of course, for what she now describes as a not-so pleasant encounter between Matteo and Coco Martin, reportedly because of her, which happened at the Star Magic ball at a plush hotel in Makati.

But things have been ironed out. "It’s not even talked-about anymore, di ba?" Maja stated.

Matteo, on his part, admitted he has a tendency to get jealous, but he is trying to control it, he added.

On the other hand, Maja, he explained, has a habit of trying to please everyone, which he misunderstands sometimes.

"Ako naman," Maja cut in, "because I love him, I try to understand him all the time. Kasi naman mabait si Matteo in all aspects.

"Besides, alam ko ring mahal niya ako."

Are they considering marriage?

"Not this early," Maja quickly answered. "Ako, lalagay ako sa tahimik when I’m in my 30s. And that would be seven years from now.

"I hope Matteo can wait that long."

***

"My Cactus Heart" is Maja’s second major movie after the indie film, "Thelma," which had her playing the title role.

"Thelma," directed by Paul Soriano, got Maja rave reviews from the critics. She was convincing in her role as a long-distance runner who beat the odds not only in the racing track but also on the home front.

"But I assure you," Enrico Santos, who directs "My Cactus Heart," said, "Maja is even better here. Believable siya in her role as a girl who comes from a dysfunctional family. Her dad left them for another woman kaya she grew up cynical sa love and living, until nga two men came into her life."

Aside from Matteo, Maja’s other leading man in "My Cactus Heart" is Xian Lim, who is creating a stir for his performance as the man who loves Kim Chiu in the series, "My Binondo Girl."

"My Cactus Heart" is Xian’s first movie, while Matteo already has appeared in "Catch Me… I’m In Love" with Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson.

Produced by Star Cinema, "My Cactus Heart" is opening in more than 100 theaters on January 25.

***

Helen Gamboa, Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta had their spouses with them at the premiere showing of their new ABS CBN series, "Walang Hanggan."

Helen’s husband, of course, is Senator Tito Sotto.

Richard’s wife, Lucy Torres, is a Congresswoman representing Ormoc City.

Dawn’s husband is Davao Congressman Anton Lagdameo.

All of Helen, Richard and Dawn’s co-stars were accounted for, of course. And they include Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez and young stars Coco Martin, Julia Montes, Paulo Avelino and Melissa Ricks.

"Walang Hanggan" directors are Jerry Lopez Seneneng and Trina Dayrit.

All of them came in their best togs.

Five episodes of the series were shown during the premiere. All who watched agree that "Walang Hanggan" is the must-see series this season.

Susan, after seeing the first five episodes, expressed excitement on what next will be seen in the series.

A confessed fan of teleseryes, Susan said she is proud she is part of "Walang Hanggan." She is sure, she added, that the viewers will be able to relate to the characters the stars portray.

"Actually," she further stated, "what convinced me to do the series when it was first offered to me – aside, of course, from the fact that I’ll be working with a powerhouse cast – is the story.

"It’s the kind of love story you, as a viewer, would want to be a part of."

Characters and Hypocrites Darkened the Courtroom
by Ms. Bing Gabriel in answer to the reported news in Balitang America on 01/4/2012 news edition.

[This article is from Bing Gabriel's Facebook]

ABS-CBN through Balitang America seems to thrive on the garbage peddled as news from the US by a struggling reporter who goes by the name of Don Tagala. As a result what the TV show feeds the public is about Filipinos having problems abroad and magnifying the issue/s to absurdum to gain acceptance as riveting news at the same time make the reporter look credible. But still people watching Balitang America are almost inclined to believe the show wants Filipinos here to fight all the time so that it can gratify the bestial instinct of human beings.

Until now Tagala is still striving for recognition and acceptance in the Filipino community as a legitimate media man. I could sense that some people instinctively distrust him after they hear his report full of hate, half-truths and outright lies at Balitang America. Tagala’s clothes are a problem because it makes him look so ordinary that people are liable to doubt if he is a real reporter.

It’s a pity because he is in the company of good people. ABS-CBN and Balitang America should take note of this debit in Tagala’s appearance. They should provide him with good clothes and shoes since he “represents” these giant networks.

Incidentally, I would like to serve notice to all and sundry that my conscience is clear and my heart is pure. I have not fooled or cheated anybody that I should be ashamed of. It is the way others evaluate what I do, that make them apprehensive in dealing with me. But that’s their problem. One thing I value most about myself is that I am not easily intimidated by blackmailers and writers practicing yellow journalism and businessmen with checkered backgrounds.

If Don Tagala fed Balitang America with the falsehood that the “Filipina concert producer admitted conning all her investors,” then who is guilty of conning the officials of ABS-CBN or Balitang America feeding them with a tissue of lies against me? Only an ingrate like Judas himself will deliberately mislead his benefactor. Are you a Judas, Don? If you are then it’s about time Balitang America should send a more responsible foreign correspondent to the United States who is not plagued with selective hate for a Filipina like me. By the way Don, is this your gratitude to ABS-CBN?

To begin with, I did not con the complainant who brought me to court because I issued him a corresponding check, informing him, in good faith, that there’s no sufficient fund during that time and as per his own request, for what he supposedly invested in my show. How Tagala arrived at such a sordid conclusion (multiple investors joining me), boggles logic. Only an idiot would make such a mistake and I hope he is not an idiot, yet. Besides, I will never incriminate myself about something that is not true like “I conned all my investors.” Don, please give my intelligence more credit than that, naman.

Balitang America, please verify the news you are fed by anybody – false assumptions reflect negatively on the credibility of the network. Don Tagala has nothing to lose but ABS-CBN (Balitang America) has a tremendous stake in every broadcast.

Tagala who appears to be obsessed with hate against me went into a frenzy of interviewing bystanders like palengkeras and palengkeros he is at home with, immediately after the hearing. He boxed them in front of his maxi-mini camera after I was forced to agree with the court the other day to just settle the problem with the plaintiff amicably just to get it over with. The “investor” wanted his money back, fine. I agreed and pay I will.

For the record however, he invested on the condition of just making profits without incurring probable loses as most businesses encounter every now and then. On this condition even Wall Street can go bankrupt. Nonetheless, having no malice in my heart I issued him a corresponding check, which became the bone of contention in his payment demand that culminated in the court initiated arrangement.

But Tagala called the settlement as proven “GUILTY.” Could it be because he already preconditioned his mind to malign me as he has consistently done since before for I know not why? His unseemly attitude of focusing on destroying my character should be the cue for ABS-CBN (Balitang America) to assign him to the Congo where he could do what he pleases - lie to his heart’s content.

Every character present in court was a legend of virtue in her/his own mind. So the poor Tagala got the garbage he collected for Balitang America with the unwarranted remarks and speculations of holier than thou. Some of those who made comments against me were total strangers. How they could they say derogatory things about someone they do not know, is reason to distrust Tagala’s cocktail of lies that degrade me before the television viewers. But I leave him with his conscience if it still bothers him in his solitude.

The settlement was no big deal because long before, I already offered him the same amount that the court imposed on me to pay every month until the full amount is covered. Thus, there was nothing new in the final decision of the court. It was my choice not anybody else’s. In fact, I was on the verge of thanking the judge for giving me the opportunity to get this problem off my chest once and for all and to stop this old man from nagging me and harassing the community “not to trust me.”

I don’t know him that well or if he had a dark past. Maybe he is very clean that he can moralize every time he talks. People have their own problems and they should solve those problems themselves. No allusion to anybody I know, but there are some people who should have been investigated for selling pirated DVD’s and expired food products. So what is new?

Among those interviewed by Tagala was a woman who claimed having invested with me. If she feels aggrieved why doesn’t she do it in the proper venue instead of acting like a cheap character feeding the ego of Don Tagala by giving him what he wants to hear? She should not croak like a wet chicken. She should be decent, as she wants to portray herself to be by doing the right thing – go to the proper venue. Obviously, both she and Don were orchestrated by the plaintiff who took advantage of ABS-CBN’s network to paint him as a solid businessman here when some people who know him since the 90s have their reserved opinion of the man, and for sure they are not good.

As far as I know he is just a mere individual hungry for publicity as is that woman who always wants to be seen on TV or be in the news when she is nothing to deserve notice. Indeed, there are so many pathetic characters loitering near television cameras hoping to be seen for even a second, that’s how desperate they are for publicity – good or bad. Don Tagala is very ideal for their sordid goal to malign me in the media. I pity them.

Lani vs Society of Seven
FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo
Philippine Star, Jan. 11, 2011

Las Vegas’ Siren of the Strip Lani Misalucha and the legendary group Society of Seven (SOS) teamed up and headlined highly-acclaimed shows in Sin City for over four years until they parted ways in 2009.

Their paths have just crossed again in Honolulu, this time as rivals, said Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre in a “flash” report.

“It’s a friendly competition,” Edmund hastened to add. “No negative feelings involved.”

Yes, the two Filipino singing greats are currently competing for the affection of audiences from Waikiki’s huge tourism industry, 90 percent of which comes from around the globe. Located in the south shore of Honolulu, Waikiki (which means “spouting waters”) is home to luxurious hotels and resorts with a vibrant nightlife and live music frequented by millions of visitors each year. It’s the same place where Regal Films shot a movie titled, you guessed it, Waikiki, directed by Elwood Perez and starring Alma Moreno, Rio Locsin, Lorna Tolentino, Victor Laurel, Ricky Belmonte and Alfie Anido.

Lani opened her new show last Dec. 20 at the Magic of Polynesia showroom of Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, while SOS has been playing at the main showroom of the nearby Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel in a performance repeatedly voted the Best Show in Waikiki by Honolulu magazine readers.

Not only are the two venues located on Kalakaua Avenue, they also are situated almost across from each other.

“It’s really funny magkatapat lang ang hotels where they perform,” Edmund quoted Dina Maningas, a former New York concert producer and promoter who moved to Honolulu to manage the Outrigger Hotel showroom with her husband Odie Maningas.

Dina said that Filipinos who get to visit Waikiki are often amazed to discover that Filipino artists topbill two giant shows in the busy district night after night.

“And it gives them a sense of pride,” she added.

Edmund said that Dina, however, pointed out that Hawaii’s SOS is a different version from the Las Vegas group known as SOS LV (Latest Version). According to SOS history, the original SOS opened at the Outrigger Waikiki in 1969, while the younger version was formed in Las Vegas in 2001. However, the original SOS eventually moved to Las Vegas and the SOS LV became the resident version of the group at the Outrigger, its history on Wikipedia says.

SOS LV is composed of Freddy Von Paraz, Jonathan Kaina, Glen Miyashiro, Mike DeGuzman, Jan Luna, John Salvaterra, with its seventh honorary member and the first female member of SOS, Jeannette Casuga Trevias, a former Music & Magic band member and a most sought-after keyboardist in the Aloha State. The show also features singer Melinda Fausto as special guest.

Although SOS has been a regular crowd magnet at Outrigger Hotel for over four decades now — 42 years to be exact! — Dina told Edmund that the group is not complacent with its time-tested success especially now that Lani, who has always been a reliable box-office draw wherever she performs, is already a big hit in Waikiki.

Lani, also known as Asia’s Nightingale, was voted Best Singer in the 27th annual Best of Las Vegas by the reputable Las Vegas Review Journal, with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman declaring Dec. 4 “Lani Misalucha Day.”

“We all know that Lani is among the world’s best and she was signed up by the biggest tourist company here (Roberts Hawaii)...at big production talaga ang diva,” said Dina. “Kaya lang kasabay ng SOS show. Hahahahaha! But it’s a friendly competition naman. Sabi nga, di ba ‘the more, the merrier.’ Sa dami ba naman ng tourists sa Hawaii hindi naman mauubusan ng audience. And we know Lani, she’s a beautiful person, inside and out, at wala sa kanya ‘yung mga rivalry. She’s here to work and entertain people who come to experience Hawaii’s high-energy nightlife.”

Meanwhile, Dina said that she and husband Odie are planning to spotlight Philippine-based artists for limited engagements at Outrigger Hotel to attract the local Filipino residents of Hawaii.

She confided to Edmund that she’s presently in touch with Gina Valenciano, hoping to get Jericho Rosales. “We can probably invite more artists in the future but we want to try it first with Echo who is very popular among the locals here,” she said. “Alam naming mahilig din si Echo mag-surfing and he will enjoy Waikiki Beach.”

Dina also mentioned Gary Valenciano and Piolo Pascual and even Canada-based Joey Albert for future stints with SOS at Outrigger.

“There are so many Filipinos who come here, many of them from Manila’s high society, as well as mainland USA and Canada,” noted Dina. “We usually give discounts sa mga turistang kababayan and they really enjoy the SOS show. They find the show sulit na sulit because of dazzling song and dance numbers, big production numbers, and comedy acts and impersonations, kaya madalas umuulit pa silang manood and they bring along more friends.”

(Note: For inquiries about the SOS performances at Outrigger Hotel, email Sosshowroom@gmail.com or odinainc@yahoo.com)

Anna Maria marks 21st B-day with private cruise party
from FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo
Philippine Star, Dec. 28, 2011

Former Disney artist Anna Maria Perez de Tagle has a lot to be thankful for. She’s the latest Filipino talent to conquer the world stage, cast in the Broadway show Godspell where she gets to sing Day By Day, the most popular song from the musical.

The daughter of Artie Perez de Tagle and granddaughter of Sylvia La Torre, Anna Maria had a good reason to celebrate her 21st birthday in style — a private cruise party along Hudson River in New York and New Jersey no less in the wee hours of the cold winter night of Dec. 23.

“Showcasing her svelte frame in a floor-length blue gown, Anna welcomed the revelers who were dressed to the nines, mostly Anna Maria’s co-stars and colleagues from Godspell,” reported Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre.

Her well-wishers, including Korina Sanchez, wined and dined aboard U.S.S. Respect (by Statue Cruises) with unlimited alcohol beverages and buffet (from baked salmon stuffed with shrimp, and roast beef cooked to perfection, to out-of-this-world cakes and pastries by the famous Sugar and Plumm NYC).

Added Edmund (who interviewed Anna Maria for Funfare), “And with the glistening lights of Manhattan skyline in the background, everyone was treated to a Philippine-style debut bash, usually reserved for girls who turn 18.”

The night’s emcee, Anna Maria’s lovely aunt Gertrudes “Tutut” Guiang, explained that Anna Maria wasn’t able to experience the coming-of-age traditional party when she reached 18 because she was simultaneously working for the Hollywood film Fame and the TV-movie Camp Rock.

Just the same, perhaps to make up for lost time, although there was no grand Cotillion, Anna Maria had a “21 Roses Dance” with 21 of the most special men in her life, including her dad Artie and Kuya King (both dapper that night), and her Camp Rock co-star Justin Deanda who is reportedly courting Anna Maria.

As she hit the legal drinking age, Anna Maria had her first official sip of wine courtesy of actor Hunter Parrish (who plays Jesus in Godspell), who handed the celebrator a wine glass amid the crowd’s cheers.

“I’ve tried wine before at some functions, but it’s a lot cool knowing that you can now do it openly without wondering if you’re doing something illegal,” a laughing Anna Maria later told Funfare.

But just because she’s of legal age doesn’t mean she’ll turn wild or do anything her heart desires.

Said Edmund, “Ask anyone in her Disney family and they’ll tell you the girl has a squeaky-clean personality, both on and off cam, that sets her apart from other young stars.”

Unknown to many, Anna Maria never talks back to her parents (never!) and Disney insiders can attest to this. She never fails to attend Sunday Mass except for Godspell performances that force her to take Saturday service at St. Malachy’s Church (a.k.a. The Actor’s Chapel) near her Manhattan penthouse pad.

“If there’s one last remaining ‘perfect’ girl on the planet, it could be Anna Maria,” her friends told Funfare.

Good thing Anna Maria is her own watchdog, said her parents who provided their three children solid moral foundation as kids. No wonder Anna Maria’s two role models, aside from her adorable mom Evelyn, are also two of the most wholesome figures in Philippine showbiz — her legendary Lola Sylvia La Torre (known for her “Filipino custom, no touch” rule) and Lea Salonga who was chaperoned by her mom Ligaya until she was 29.

“Wengky (Anna Maria’s nickname) is still our baby,” said her dad, “and nothing’s gonna change that.”

“She’s so focused at her craft and career,” said her mom. “I can tell you she has no time for matters of the heart, at least for now. It’s her choice and she knows it can wait.”

When it comes to work, Anna Maria’s “a pro,” according to Glee actor and Godspell co-star Telly Leung.

Telly, who probably owns the most magnificent singing voice among Asian American actors, told Funfare that Anna Maria is “hard working” and “dedicated” and genuinely enjoys what she’s doing.

“I should know because we were there before her,” said Telly. “We were ‘her’ when we were starting on Broadway and I know that she was born to do what she’s doing.”

Speaking of Korina, she joined the cruise with Girlie Rodis. Korina is in New York (for the nth time) with husband DOTC Sec. Mar Roxas for a two-week “second honeymoon.” They’ve watched several Broadway shows and tried New York’s new fancy restaurants.

Noted Edmund, “The ageless and popular journalist sat quietly with Girlie and family members of the celebrator, and gamely posed for photos with star-struck guests who follow her on The Filipino Channel. As the yacht passed by the majestic Statue of Liberty, Korina joined the others who stood up near the windows to marvel at the famous lady. “How nice,” Korina uttered.

Edmund: “Others like Hunter Parrish, Terry Leung, Uzo Aduba and the half-Pinoy George Salazar, rushed to the cruise deck outside and braved the biting cold weather to have their photographs taken with the famous statue in the backdrop. Inside, guests continued to hit the dance floor to tunes like Moves Like Jagger and Teach Me How To Dougie, until U.S.S. Respect returned to Manhattan’s Battery Park before 4 a.m.

“Anna Maria and the entire Godspell team, led by its director Daniel Goldstein (the only one who was not able to join the cruise party due to pressing family matters), are in for another celebration as their cast album released last Dec. 20 for digital download reached the No. 1 spot on iTunes’ soundtrack chart with a strong boost, of course, from Anna Maria’s dazzling rendition of the hit musical’s most popular song Day By Day.”

Produced by Stephen Schwartz, Michael Holland, Kurt Deutsch and executive producer Ken Davenport (who also produces the revival), the 18-track recording will be released in stores Jan. 31, 2012, according to Playbill.com.

Stars start 2012 with a bang
Malaya Business Insight, Dec. 30, 2011

TODAY’S hottest stars Piolo Pascual, Angelica Panganiban, Diether Ocampo, Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu and John Lloyd Cruz are no means resting on their laurels. It’s still work, work, work for these young superstars this coming year.

Piolo, the main man of Star Magic, greets 2012 with a positive vibe as he is set to star in ABS-CBN’s newest soap offering "Padre de Pamilya" with top stars like Christopher De Leon, Jericho Rosales and Maricar Reyes this coming February. After the success of his Asian tour in Malaysia and Singapore for his "Decades 2" album, he had his series of US tour and did shows for The Filipino Channel in Kuwait, Qatar and Japan. Before the year ended, he launched his Sunpiology 2012 and participated in Sunlife’s Sunset Run last November. He also continues to be one of Star Magic’s top endorsers, doing projects for Myphone Mobile, Clear Shampoo, Centrum, Canon cameras, Belo,Quickchow, NTT Japan, Century Corned Tuna, Century Bangus, Century Properties, Real Leaf, Bench, GAOC, Jewelmer and Sunlife. Piolo leaves 2011 with awards to add to his growing list including Hottest Male Celebrity (Yahoo OMG Awards), a quintuple platinum award for his "Decades 2" album, Anak TV Seal awardee and was hailed Culture Ambassador for the National Commision of Culture and Arts.

The controversial Angelica Panganiban proves to be a force to reckon with as she starts 2012 with a bang. After the success of her Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Segunda Mano," Angelica will resume shooting one of ABS-CBN’s newest teleseryes, "Alta" with Gretchen Barretto, KC Concepcion, Zanjoe Marudo and Diether Ocampo. She is also set to do a digifilm and be part of Star Magic US Tour this year. Angelica’s regular stint on "Banana Split" also proves her versatility as an actress, as she was given the Comedy Actress awards at the 42nd Guillermo Box Office Awards and Golden Screen Awards and 2011 USTV Student Choice awardee. Angelica will be continuing her endorsement projects with Pantene, Ponds, Bench and Zest Air.

After the success of the teleserye "Guns and Roses" last year, "Alta" is on top of Diether Ocampo’s list of things to do in 2012 as he stars in the much-awaited drama. Diet also continues to be a top endorser as he will still be Pizza Hut, Bench, Celio and Oakley’s celebrity model. He remains active in his humanitarian role as actively goes to different places for his KIDS Foundation. Before 2011 wrapped up, he has already planned for the all-year round activities of KIDS. He recently had a successful trek project in Aklan.

Bea Alonzo remains to be a Kapamilya as she recently renewed her contract with ABS-CBN and projects are lined up for her in 2012 which includes a movie with Star Cinema and a new primetime project reviving her team up with John Lloyd Cruz. With the success of "Guns and Roses" with Robin Padilla, Bea looks forward to be doing more action-drama TV series soon. She remains to be one of Star Magic’s top female endorsers with a long line of products in her list like Clear, Colour Collection Kashieca, Lactacyd, Olay, Pacific Blue shades and watches and 4G anti-oxidants.

Gerald starts the year right with the success of his currently airing teleserye "Budoy" topping the TV ratings charts. Also his movies with actress Sarah Geronimo, "You Change My Life" and "Won’t Last a Day," in 2011 were both box-office hits. Gerald is continuing his stint as a host in "ASAP Rocks" and was part of the Star Magic US Tour last April. A long list of endorsement duties for Globe telecom, Blackberry phones, Mint, CenturyTuna,Clear, Dermablend, Unisilver, Puma, Faces and Curves, GAOC, Bench fragrances, L-Time studio and a new food chain endorsement are waiting for him next year. Gerald made his mark as an actor in 2011 as he received a Gawad Tanglaw Best Actor trophy for a "Maala ala Mo Kaya" episode, Choice Male Icon for the 1st Barkada Awards and Favorite Anak TV Makabata Star for 2011 at the Anak TV Seal Awards.

Kim Chiu is riding high into 2012 with the high-ratings of her teleserye "My Binondo Girl" and her new on-screen partnership with Xian Lim. The two are all set to do a movie too in 2012, on top of Kim’s already much talked about film "The Healing," where she stars alongside Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos. Kim reaped a lot of awards in 2011, including 2011 ASAP Pop Viewers Choice awards for Pop Teleserye Character and Pop Female Fashionista. She is also a consistent winner at the Anak TV Seal Awards for being a role model for the youth. Kim’s pretty face will also launch a lot of ad campaigns in 2012 for Adidas, Bantex, Beabi, Bench apparel and scents Charms and Crystals, Cherry Mobile, Faces and Curves, Goya chocolates, Monami gel pens, Olay beauty bar soap, Rejoice, Skin White, M place by SMDC and Whisper.

One of the newsmakers of 2011, John Lloyd continues to make waves in the entertainment scene and he is set to wow audiences with a new series opposite former ka-love team Bea Alonzo. He starts the year right with Star Cinema’s 2012 opening salvo, "Unofficially Yours" with his "Imortal" leading lady Angel Locsin. Also a consistent Anak TV Seal awardee, his wholesome appeal has also made him a top notch celebrity endorser for Greenwich, Biogesic, Banana Peel, Tropicana, Bear Brand, PS Bank, Natasha, Suncellular, Cherry mobile Adidas, Swatch, GAOC, Head and Shoulders, Magic Crackers, Lucky Me Namnam and Lucky Me Pancit Pares.

Bylined – The Third Opinion - is a column in this paper created for the purpose of giving the side of slander victims in a venue that is not bias or peppered with prejudices. The Third Opinion is written by The Shadow. It will print the side of those who are not given the chance to answer the scurrilous denunciations against them in the media by malicious or envious people and “journalists” suffering from megalomania and insatiable lust for grease money. Nobody should be allowed to just ruin the reputation of people and get away with it, unscathed. Such wickedness has no place in a civilized society and must be stopped in the name of decent journalism.

“Isumbong kay The Shadow will be the battle cry of victims of malicious mudslinging that blacken their reputation. The Shadow will revise the ballgame. Lopsided characterizations will meet equal challenges from The Shadow to put things on even terms.

It appears that in America yellow journalism has taken the place of honest-to-goodness newspapers that disseminate factual news without color, hate or bias. The despicable practice of maligning private persons is done by some Filipino writers and tabloids. Whether they do this to make would-be victims come across, is not certain, albeit, there are “writers” who try to scare nice people who are trying hard to earn a decent living, with threats for alleged wrongdoings in their business. They even intrigue competitors to harass their partners until the victims succumb, to whatever they want to get it over with even though the lies can be unmasked in court.

Lately, the shady scheme met a wall of defiance from solid citizens who vigorously refuse to be defrauded of their hard earned dollars. This has enraged a peddler of lies in the media who was told by a couple whom he chose to intimidate with exposés, to go fly a kite.

It is quite apparent that negative articles in ethnic Filipino tabloids is full of hate and bias if not downright fabricated lies meant to wreck the subject’s reputation. Only after mudslinging innocent people would the so-called reporter go to the motions of asking for their side when the damage has already been done – blacken the victims’ good name.

This style of disseminating news is worst than Russian roulette. At least in the deadly game of life and death, you have a six bullet chance of survival. A tabloid does not give you that much of an option. You are at the mercy of a desperate writer hungry for money.

In America yellow journalism has gone berserk among ethnic Filipino writers. The scheme is to follow up the dirty mission of destroying honest and hardworking people who are vulnerable. A case in point is what Balitang America and Filipino Express did to the Gabriels whose good name and honor they leveled to the ground by the tissue of lies peddled by a certain Don Tagala, to Balitang America. The TV show that is perhaps hungry for news about Filipinos in the US grabbed it without verifying the veracity of the story or getting the side of the Gabriels. Sensationalized stories even if they are half-truths make a TV show popular and sponsors salivate to advertise their products in them.

Gossips are their cup of tea because it caters to the sadistic instinct of TV viewers who are glued to the program that peddles the news about Filipinos smearing each other in the media or suing each other in court. In America tabloids thrive only if they resort to mudsling the character of solid citizens, which is readable to Filipinos. This is the obsession of unscrupulous reporters that even a decent closet queen or gay would not do but Don Tagala has the gall for it.

Filipino-Americans hereabouts are having doubts if he is really an overseas reporter for ABS-CBN. If he were why hasn’t he been provided with a car to follow up leads for his articles instead of fabricating lies or dishing out half-truths in some of his write ups? And if what we hear is true he would even hitchhike in the car of the one who accused Ms. Gabriel in court and shamelessly ate with him in the restaurant after the hearing. If this is true, that explains his disparaging article about the lady Gabriel. But should a decent writer take sides?

Doing those things is liable to be misconstrued that he prostitutes his pen for lunch or a few dollars, perhaps? Shameless writers practicing yellow journalism do this to scare feuding Filipinos eager to have their side published. The Gabriels who are honest and hardworking are not hungry for publicity only fairness in the media.

But for reasons unknown to the Gabriels their good name was singled out to be destroyed by this trigger-happy writer. This is disheartening to Ms. Gabriel because she comes from a dignified family that is known to support the community and poor people. Bing’s father was a Pechangco – the very Pechangco that spent for the operating room of the provincial hospital in their place, built a public elementary school, sports center and donated a church among many other civic projects in their home province. This is apart from consistently contributing to charity for years. She would not soil the revered name of the Pechangcos not for all the tea in China.

What Don Tagala and Ted Reyes did to her pained so much because they did not wait for her to provide them with the documents supporting her side on the issue they leveled against her. Whatever their reasons - was it worth the pain and disgrace they caused her and her family? Tagala’s conscience has to be numb because until now he keeps harassing her with calls alleging that he heard a juicy issue against her, which after he told her was one of those fabricated stories of an envious individual.

Ted Reyes and Don Tagala really went overboard when they ridiculed her that she pretends to be rich by sporting Louis Vuitton bags and wearing designer clothes. This has no bearing on who she is because the public know her to be such a fastidious dresser with delicate taste. As I said a while ago, Bing Gabriel comes from a good family. She would be the last person to ruin it by her indiscretions. She would even endeavor hard as she has been doing to keep it inviolate. Nevertheless, her detractors in the media mangled her reputation without hearing her side.

They categorically accused her of using the card of someone to pay the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. This is farthest from the truth because the Boardwalk would only charge the card if the primary holder gave the card number, security code and his complete name, and that they got from him on the phone along with his approval. But now he backtracked saying he only allowed payment for the tickets he got, which is barefaced lie. Bing had much more money in her bag. She would not have gone to the trouble of asking the Boardwalk officials to get his approval to charge his credit card for the balance of the show.

Now he back tracks. Pathetic! The official of the Boardwalk is willing to testify to their phone conversation about him giving his consent to pay the amount with his credit card. All this will surface in court and the truth will surely prevail.

Ted Reyes and Don Tagala lamely say Mely “Bing” Pechangco-Gabriel could not be contacted. Yet, now that Bing is ready to do battle with them in court to regain her good name and for the damages they caused her and her family, they easily got hold of her and offered to air her side. Is that fair or responsible journalism?!

Readers, you be the judge.

Football star Tim Tebow still unknown in Philippines city of his birth
by Martin Rogers
The Post Game, Dec. 14, 2011

There isn't any Tebowing going on in Makati City, the sprawling municipality in the Philippines that was the unlikely birthplace for the most talked-about athlete in the United States. Not yet, anyway.

Tim Tebow's season, from the series of extraordinary fourth-quarter comebacks to his cult-figure status as a true believer, has been remarkable in every way.

Yet, back where the journey began 24 years ago, the spread of the Tebow phenomenon is still to happen. Basketball and boxing are the sports of choice in Makati, and news of the Denver Broncos' 7-1 ride on the shoulders of a talismanic Tebow hasn't generated any buzz.

"Tee-bone?" said Makati government official Mila Gonzalez in a telephone conversation with ThePostGame.com. "How do you spell that?"

Tebow's parents, Bob and Pamela, were working as Baptist missionaries in the Philippines when their son was born in the Makati Medical Center on Aug. 14, 1987. Pamela Tebow was advised to have an abortion after suffering from a pathogenic amoeba but decided to go through with the birth despite the risks of her son being stillborn.

Tebow spent the first three years of his life in the Philippines and has returned on charitable and religious missions every year since he was 15 years old.

"I will always have a special place in my heart for the country where I was born," he said recently.

Given the amount of focus trained upon Tebow since his latest Sunday miracle, spearheading the apparently buried Broncos to a 13-10 overtime triumph over the Chicago Bears, you might have thought Makati, one of the 17 cities that make up the Filipino capital of Manila, would have latched onto the cultural bandwagon.

But Gonzalez, one of six government officials contacted for this story, noted that not one person at Makati City Hall so much as recognized Tebow's name.

"No one here has heard of him," said Gonzalez. "Is he a current player? Of course it is exciting for us now you have told us about this, and we will look it up. If someone from our city is successful it is something for us to celebrate. I am sure once people begin to realize he is from Makati they will start to follow him in his sporting endeavors."

Makati offers a fascinating snapshot of Filipino life. Part of the district forms the financial hub of the Philippines, complete with skyscrapers and billion-dollar fiscal institutions. However, just a couple of miles away and within the same district are slum areas where Tebow's parents worked to provide aid and spiritual guidance for the locals.

Yet, even the most passionate of local sports fans have yet to be touched by the Tebow hype that has engulfed the U.S.

"Basketball is the biggest sport that we follow; we don't know much about American sports apart from that," Makati contractor Jerry Araneta said. "I only know of O.J. Simpson, for obvious reasons. Oh, and Brett Favre. There is a poster of him in my favorite bar. But not Tim Tebow, I don't know him."

That may change soon, especially if Tebow's fame and form continue to surge. Two Manila newspapers are planning stories on the quarterback this week, and Filipino state television is sending a crew to the Broncos' showdown against the New England Patriots.

Tebow continues his family's mission work [Tim's father heads the Bob Tebow Evangelical Association, serving the Philippines since 1985], and his foundation has combined with renowned charity CURE International to build a state-of-the-art hospital in the troubled region of Davao that will provide reconstructive surgery for children suffering from deformities.

Funding for the $3.1 million project is nearly 80 percent complete, and it is expected that Tebow will be present at the groundbreaking ceremony in January.

U.S. 2010 Census: Filipinos in the U.S. Increased by 38%; Nevada has fastest growing population

Washington, DC – Recently-released U.S. Census figures indicate that there are 2,555,923 Filipinos in the United States today. The more than 2.5 million is a 38 per cent increase from the 1.8 million counted 10 years ago.

These figures, however, only represent counts of “Filipino Alone” responses to the 2010 census survey. Based on Census 2000 and 2008 Population Estimates, it is projected that the total will increase by 20 per cent when the count for “Mixed-Race Filipinos” is added by the end of the summer. If these estimates hold, the total number could top 3.5 million.

As expected, the largest population is in California, where 1,195,580 Filipinos constitute 3.2 percent of all the people in the state. Hawaii comes second with 197,497, followed by Illinois, 114,724; New Jersey, 110,650; New York, 104,287; Texas, 103,074; Nevada, 98,351; Washington, 91,367; Florida, 90,223; Virginia, 66,963; Maryland, 43,923; and Arizona, 35,013.

Filipinos in Nevada continue to have the highest rate of growth nationwide. Their numbers jumped from 12,048 in 1990 to 40,529 in 2000 – a dramatic increase of 236 percent – more than doubling again in 2010 with 98,351, an increase of 142 percent. Next to Filipinos in Hawaii who constitute 14.5 percent of the total state population, Nevada’s Filipinos comprise 3.6 percent – enough to swing a close election.

The 2010 census also points to significant growth of Filipino communities in Arizona – with a 116 percent rise – followed by North Carolina, 94 percent; Wyoming, 91 percent; Idaho, 87 percent; Alabama, 82 percent; New Hampshire, 81 percent; Utah, 80 percent; Texas, 77 percent; and New Mexico, 72 percent.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown, indicating the percentage increase from the last census. These figures were compiled with the assistance of Gem Daus, an Asian American studies professor at the University of Maryland.

“This is great news but our numbers alone won’t count unless we translate them into political power,” says NaFFAA National Chairman Eduardo Navarra. “This means we have to register to vote and take time to actually go out and cast our ballots in local and national elections. This is the only effective way we can be heard and taken seriously by our elected representatives when we advocate for those issues that are critical to our community.”

Adds Merit Salud, NaFFAA’s national coordinator for FilVote: “While we have a high rate of naturalization and voter registration, our voting rate is embarrassingly low. We can not continue to be invisible. We must assert our political presence in this country by stepping up our civic participation in all aspects of American life.”

FilVote plans to launch a massive voter registration and get-out-the-vote campaign in preparation for the 2012 national elections.

U.S. CENSUS – Filipinos in the United States
Compiled by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a private, non-profit, non-partisan tax-exempt organization established in 1997 to promote the active participation of Filipino Americans in civic and national affairs. NaFFAA is composed of 12 regions with a national office in Washington, D.C. that monitors legislation and public policy issues affecting Filipino Americans. NaFFAA partners with local affiliate organizations and national coalitions in advocating for issues of common concern.

National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)
1322 18th St NW, Washington DC 20036-1803

http://www.naffaausa.org

Filipino pride: What is it exactly?
By Lea Salonga
Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 4, 2011

IN A FEW short days, Manny Pacquiao will slug it out, toe-to-toe with Shane Mosley. For sure, the whole nation will again stay glued to their TV and radio sets. Not a few will shell out cash to catch the match via satellite. And many Pinoy fans who will be watching it live at MGM Grand in Las Vegas will don our country’s colors, and chant Manny’s name, as they would in prayer, willing him to win.

That same night on the ring, Charice, another mighty mite from these shores, will sing “Lupang Hinirang” before the match begins. She's no stranger, either, to worldwide attention.

It goes without saying that Manny and Charice—having ascended from poverty through a combination of sheer will, hard work, determination and preparedness at the arrival of opportunity—have made their own unique dreams come true.

On fight night, Filipinos across the globe will express, because of these powerhouses, their pride at being Filipino.

Given that two of our country’s brightest stars will actually shine at the same time, I found myself wondering: Exactly what is Pinoy pride?

The dictionary defines “proud” as “to be pleased or satisfied with another person for his or her achievements and qualities.”

Sure, Pinoy pride can fall under this definition, but I think it’s more than just feeling pleased with these two stars’ individual successes; it’s about seeing oneself in them.

We are a country of 90 million people, many of whom live at, or below, the poverty line. Manny and Charice were once poor as well, but have overcome it. They symbolize the hopes and dreams of many Filipinos to perhaps come upon the same degree (or even a fraction) of that kind of success. But does everyone possess the same raw talent that they do?

Sadly, no. And hard work isn’t something we inherit—but it’ s something we learn and can be trained to do. Besides being fantastically talented, both Manny and Charice devote the time and effort necessary to yield results, in the ring and on stage.

We all have our places in the world, and designations in life. All we should do is be the best at whatever that might be.

My father once told me, “Honey, if you’re going to be a cigarette vendor, that’s all fine and good, but be the best goddamn cigarette vendor you can be.”

So, when anybody says to Manny or Charice, “You make us so proud to be Pinoy,” that carries far more weight than merely being pleased with their achievements. It means, “I aspire to be just like you …”

To Manny, good luck and much success on Sunday. To Charice, break a leg as you sing our anthem. You both have made every single Filipino really proud, and you both have an entire nation behind you.

Greetings

Belated happy birthday to fellow southerner Charlene Gonzales! May you always go along on this good earth filled with grace and lightness of spirit. You are blessed with a wonderful family and a great career. I hope you had a wonderful 25th birthday (I say this as you’ll always look 25 to me)!

Belated happy birthday as well to Maestro Ryan Cayabyab! My only wish is that you live long enough to create at least two more Pinoy musicals and do another “One” album. Have a great one, Mr. C!